The Jungle Giants, The Tullamarines, Tear Drive @ Hindley Street Music Hall, Adelaide 20/6/2026
The Jungle Giants returned to Tarntanya/Adelaide on Saturday night for their Experiencing Feelings of Joy tour. They turned Hindley Street Music Hall into an energetic dancefloor as fans celebrated one of Australia’s best live bands.
Before the Brisbane favourites took the stage, we were treated to two sensational support acts. Opening the evening were Tear Drive. The Brisbane locals have been ripping it up during this tour in their short but sweet set. Offering a taste of old school alt-indie soaring guitars and infectious rhythms across six songs, including Where Did You Go Last Night?, Lost in the Moment, Better Off, and Nothing’s Going to Save You, they steadily lifted the crowd’s enthusiasm. By the end of their set, the venue had noticeably filled out, and anticipation for what was to come was rising.
Next came Adelaide locals and crowd favourites The Tullamarines. The Tullies have made a name for themselves with their dynamic blend of indie rock, catchy hooks, and energetic live performances. Notwithstanding some technical issues, which sadly cut their set short, they took the responsibility of warming up the crowd for the main act seriously. Lying, Gimme Luv, Idiot, Head Roll Back, OMG, Running on Empty, and their recent Like A Version of The Chain (Fleetwood Mac) had everyone jumping, singing and dancing. Their musicianship and carefree stage presence created a warm and welcoming tone.
While a digital backdrop posed poignant questions for us to consider, Cesira Aitken (lead guitar), Andrew Dooris (bass), and Keelan Bijker (drums) launched into the instrumental How Can I Replace You. It was an emotionally distinctive introduction to a show focused on feelings of joy. Frontman Sam Hales then appeared on the screen from backstage, singing Tell Me How It Feels.
The Jungle Giants had arrived and immediately established the infectious energy that has become synonymous with the band.
A seamless transition into Sending Me Ur Loving, highlighted the careful curation of this performance and the balanced pacing of the setlist. The set showcased the band’s evolution while retaining their danceable indie-pop roots, which everyone loves. Newer tracks, including Where Can I Put All My Love, Lovesick, Is It Love?, All the Time In the World, World’s Getting Smaller, and In a Nice Way, sat comfortably alongside the fan favourites.
It goes without saying that the classics—Bad Dreams, Love Signs, She’s a Riot, You’ve Got Something, Time and Time Again, In Her Eyes, Feel the Way I Do, Rakata, and On Your Way Down— were extremely well received. That’s probably an understatement if I’m honest. Even Hales noted the positive energy and enthusiasm emanating from the crowd. “You’re a good-looking bunch,” he proclaimed before throwing out some disposable cameras for us to take photos and add to the tour scrapbook.
Throughout the night, his charm anchored the performance. He effortlessly encouraged crowd participation, which we wholeheartedly accepted. By the time they played the final song, A Moment Like That, we were a unified sea of dancing bodies and raised hands, celebrating a night of exceptional Australian music.
The Jungle Giants wanted us to experience feelings of joy on this tour. We did, thanks to their infectious energy and irresistible tunes.
Mission accomplished.
Live Review By Anita Kertes.